Both Sides of the Pond
Confirmation of an Under 20 Transatlantic Quad Series involving Canada, England, USA and Wales is the latest good news to come from the world of age-group rugby.
For England it means supporting an in-between group, the Under 19s, in their transition from U18 to U20 level. For past generations this would have been a barely imaginable addition to the menu.
For the other three it adds mightily to their pathway plans.
Details:
First match: USA U20s v Canada U20s, Cardiff Met University, 14 July
Remainder on 19th and 24th July at Cardiff Arms Park, two matches each
The IRFU changes Course
The IRFU has announced a 5-year plan to develop and extend the women’s game in ireland. Many local critics will be shouting: ‘About time too!’
It’s a thorough-going programme, reaching from grassroots’ level (clubs, schools, universities) to governance.
One major change is to move towards establishing four contracted provincial teams, able to play throughout the season. That sounds like a hint to the organisers of the Celtic Challenge that they need to ensure the SRU and WRU are onboard too, otherwise the Irish pro-teams would have only each other to play.
All this will cost money, so sponsors, benefactors and the government will be needed to help it all come to pass.
Adventurous Tours
Rugby Canada doesn’t lack for initiative. Now they have sent an ‘A’ squad to Spain to play two matches against the local national team. They won the first game in Elche 27-12. A second follows.
This augments the Maple Leafs’ ascent to second position in the world after a successful WXV run. The board is showing sense in ensuring there is plenty of back-up for the elite team. Competition breeds success.
Then a USA ‘Falcons’ squad is touring Brazil. This is excellent news on both sides of Central America. The Eagles need as much player-depth as they can muster. This is a sensible way of doing so.
Brazil is one of many countries that cut their teeth on the 7s game. This is a chance to allow its big sister a moment in the limelight. Brazil is one of several nations that could develop far if the 15s game could find favour. And they won the first of two matches 19-12.
Good news from Oceania
Any advance for the island nations of the South Pacific is to be warmly welcomed. Now Fiji are taking on Japan in two matches at home on 14 and 20 June.
They, like Samoa and Tonga, simply haven’t been able to arrange sufficient test matches to advance their cause. WXV has helped enormously, but this tour is one further step in the right direction.
FISU World University Sevens Championship
From 10-12 June ten teams from five continents have been competing in Aix-en-Provence.
The following nations took part: Australia, France, Canada, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Poland,
South Africa and Spain.
In the final Japan beat Canada; Spain came third.
Quins Prospects
I hinted at a downturn in their prospects (http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/06/03/the-pwr-season-2023-24-part-one/). Now the news worsens. Both Emily and Flo Robinson have decided to leave for Exeter Chiefs. Each in turn moved to London, but now have had second thoughts.
Flo’s path was blocked by the presence of Red Rose Lucy Packer at No 9. Now Amy Turner has the challenge of encouraging yet more worthy players to come to the Stoop.
Quins were justly proud of breaking the world record for a women’s club match when 16,237 saw them lose to champions Gloucester-Hartpury. With so many big names now missing – chief among them Rachael Burford, Shaunagh Brown and the Robinson sisters – the club can hardly hope to attract that sort of quality inside one close season.
